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The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

The best things to do in Philadelphia, including popular events, festivals, attractions and tours, free activities and entertainment. See upcoming events and what’s on in Philly today.

Members of Equinox Fitness work out on the 1800 block of  Walnut Street as the streets around Rittenhouse Square are closed to vehicular traffic Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 for pedestrian-only zones for the city's Open Streets program.
Members of Equinox Fitness work out on the 1800 block of Walnut Street as the streets around Rittenhouse Square are closed to vehicular traffic Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 for pedestrian-only zones for the city's Open Streets program.Read moreTom Gralish / Staff Photographer

Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

You can always find our favorite activities of the weekend at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.


Botanicals in Bloom – A Secret Garden Speakeasy

(Community) Step into a world of incredible cocktails, stunning florals and lush greenery at this blooming speakeasy style pop-up bar. You’ll enjoy a two-course cocktail prix fixe, with cocktails inspired by flowers, herbs and made with Philadelphia Distiling’s in-house spirits.

⌚️Apr. 10-13, 📍25 E. Allen St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19123, 🌐 philadelphiadistilling.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

Young Professionals Night: Spring Fling

(Community) Art lovers, this one’s for you. Come connect with other emerging creatives and young professionals in the city at The Barnes. There will be music, dancing and of course time to explore the galleries and newest exhibit at the Museum.

⌚️ Apr. 11, 7-11p.m., 📍2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 barnesfoundation.org, 💵 $18-35

FashCon Philly 2025

(Community) Fashion industry experts, designers and fashion enthusiasts are coming together to dive into the newest trends and strategies in the fashion world. Whether you’re just fashion curious or working in the industry this conference will have something for you.

⌚️Apr. 11, 8a.m. - 5:30p.m., 📍1916 Race St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 eventbrite.com, $25-99

THRIVE Community Wellness Festival

(Community) This community festival truly has it all, from fitness workshops and a vendor marketplace to fun giveaways and goodie bags. If you’re looking to get inspired and focus more on your own wellness journey, stop by for a day of learning, community and connection all centered around wellness.

⌚️Apr. 12, 10a.m. - 12:30p.m., 📍4100 Presidential Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Free

Beats N Bingo

(Community) Get ready for a fun twist on a classic bingo game. Instead of calling out numbers, your bingo card will be filled with the names of musical artists. When the DJ plays a song, if you have that artist on your board, mark it off.

⌚️Apr. 12, 8p.m., 📍218-220 W. Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $40

2025 Philly Theatre Week

(Theater) Philadelphia is home to a truly vibrant theater community. This week, come get a taste of that talent with a lineup of shows and performances. See a favorite or try something new with special pay-what-you-can tickets, which are limited.

⌚️Apr. 3-13, 📍Various locations, 🌐 theatrephiladelphia.org, 💵 Pay-what-you-can

Dine Latino Restaurant Week

(Community) Some of Philly’s best Latino-owned restaurants are serving up special deals for Latino Restaurant Week. Take advantage of great deals and make a reservation to find your next favorite Latino restaurant. This year’s celebration will include food trucks and includes special bonus offers, like free dessert with certain purchases.

⌚️Apr. 6-12, 📍Various locations, 🌐 philahispanicchamber.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

Open Streets: West Walnut

(Community) Take a car-free stroll through Rittenhouse while you sip, shop, and check out the neighborhood. Walnut street will be closed to traffic from 15th to 19th street and filled with dancers, musicians, games, and a kid-friendly zone. Restaurants and shops nearby will feature extended outdoor seating, specialty drinks, discounts and more.

⌚️Every Sunday in April, 11a.m. - 5p.m., 📍Walnut St., between 15th & 19th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective

(Art) A new exhibit is heading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective is an anthology of the Chicago artist’s work, highlighting the full spectrum of her career.

⌚️Feb. 8-June 1, 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 press.philamuseum.org, 💵 $14-30


The best events for kids in Philly

Egg hunts are everywhere this time of year, but each has its own charm. Gorgas Park in Roxborough hosts one of the biggest, Stenton in Germantown might win for most scenic, and FDR Park offers prime convenience for South Philly families. Plus, there’s plenty more on the calendar—from science-packed museum days to kid-written theater.

Spring Break at the Franklin Institute

(Science / multi-day) Whether your kids’ spring break starts this week or next, the Franklin Institute has you covered with daily extra programming to keep them busy and curious. For an added thrill, check out the Body Worlds exhibit—featuring preserved human bodies—for an additional $18. Ages 3 and up.

⌚April 12–26, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $23–$29

Paw Patrol Live: A Mighty Adventure

(Musical) At the Academy of Music, the beloved pups come to life in a musical packed with adventure, music, and party-planning hijinks—despite villain Victoria Vance’s interference. Sensory-friendly performance Saturday at 6 p.m.; ASL interpretation at Sunday’s 2 p.m. show. Ages 2–5.

⌚April 12, 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m.; April 13, 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $41–$146

City Life Egg Hunt

(Outdoors / free) At FDR Park, City Life Church hosts its annual egg hunt with lots of candy, community spirit, and the classic egg scramble. Another hunt will take place the following week in Southwest Philly. Registration requested. Ages 2–12.

⌚April 12, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m., 📍1900 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19145, 🌐 citylifephilly.com, 💵 Free

The Philly Egg Hunt

(Outdoors / free) At Gorgas Park in Roxborough, enjoy an Easter festival complete with age-timed egg hunts every 10 minutes, a petting zoo, inflatables, pony rides ($5), bunny photos, and face-painting. Reserve your spot in advance. Ages 1–12.

⌚April 12, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 📍6300 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19128, 🌐 phillyegghunt.com, 💵 Free

SaturPLAY, Philly Theatre Week

(Theater / pay-what-you-can) At Asian Arts Initiative, local 4th–7th graders take the creative lead, providing scripts and direction to pro actors who bring their adventurous and mysterious stories to life. Titles include JuMaddenJi, The Rodents’ Revenge, and more. Ages 6–14.

⌚April 12, 11 a.m., 📍1219 Vine St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 🌐 theatrephiladelphia.org, 💵 Pay-what-you-can

Dracula! The Panto!, Philly Theatre Week

(Theater / pay-what-you-can) At The Rotunda, catch a family-friendly, music-filled, hilariously spooky take on the classic vampire tale. It’s intentionally silly, not-too-scary fun for older kids and adults alike. Ages 9 and up.

⌚April 13, 7:15 p.m., 📍4014 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, 🌐 theatrephiladelphia.org, 💵 Pay-what-you-can

The Hobbit

(Theater / multi-day) At Arden Theatre, Greg Banks’ fast-paced adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit brings Bilbo Baggins out of his comfort zone and into an unforgettable adventure filled with creatures, challenges, and lessons on courage. Ages 7 and up.

⌚April 2–May 25, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $25–$46

In The Heights

(Musical / multi-day) At Bristol Riverside Theatre, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s breakout Broadway hit paints a vibrant, family-friendly portrait of life in a New York City neighborhood over three eventful days. It’s energetic, heartfelt, and perfect for older kids. Ages 9 and up.

⌚March 25–April 27, times vary, 📍120 Radcliffe St., Bristol, PA 19007, 🌐 brtstage.org, 💵 $20–$67

Ice Dinosaurs

(Science / multiday) Animatronic dinos from chillier climes, like the fearsome, feathered Troodon raptors, represent Late Cretaceous creatures who inhabited the Arctic. Hands-on exhibits show off ice-proof teeth and eggs at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Ages 2 and up.

⌚September 28-May 4, 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵 $16-$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder, free under age 2